Agenda - 05-21-2007-d1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 Contact County Staff to Verify Farm Status Determine whether your operation is a `bona fide farm" by contacting a representative of the Cooperative Extension, Economic Development Commission, Soil & Water Conservation District, or Farm Service Agency. North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 153-A-340 specifically exempts bona fide farms (and farm related structures) from zoning regulations and some NC State Building Code requirements. The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Enabling Act, provides an expanded definition of a bona fide farm for farmers participating in an Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Program (EVAD). l~l ®evelop a Plan Consider agricultural enterprises that would complement your farm. If you operate a bona fide farm and your proposed business is considered "re/ating to or incidentaP' to your farm you may NOT need any Planning permits. However, you may need other permits from Inspections, Environmental Health, and/or other state & federal agencies. Examples of operations considered "accessory".include but are not limited to: ^ Retail sales of products grown on the farm such as fruits and vegetables, nursery and greenhouse crops ^ Pick-your-own fruits and vegetables _ ^ Processing and marketing products grown on the farm such as milk, ice cream, canned goods and wine ^ Agritourism operations such as corn mazes, hayrides, and horse trail rides Visit with Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation District, and Economic Development staff to develop a business plan and determine all necessary local, state, and federal regulations. Your farm agency representative will help you answer these questions and coordinate the planning process. ^ If your proposal exceeds the threshold of being "relating to or incidental" to your farm you may still be able to pursue the enterprise, but you will likely need to obtain a permit from Planning. ^ Some uses, such as bed and breakfast inns or stables, may require separate land use permits. In addition, some uses may not be allowed in protected watersheds. Get a Letter Once you have a plan, ask your farm agency representative to prepare a letter describing your proposal. The letter can summarize your plan and outline the local, state, and federal regulations that apply to your project. If applicable, the letter can also state that the proposed use is "relating to or incidental" to your bona fide farm. Try to have copies of letters or permits from all appropriate county, state, and federal agencies to show that you are in compliance. 9 Get County Permits If your use is considered "relating to or incidental" bring the following to Planning & Inspections: ^ A copy of the formal letter from local farm agency staff with reference to bona fide farm status; ^ Any additional documentation necessary to indicate you are in compliance-septic permit, state or federal permits; ^ A copy of a survey, plat or tax map of the property; ^ A sketch plan showing any new or existing buildings linked to the operation, sign locations, and off-street -. -- _ - _ _ _ parking; . _ .. If your use requires a formal permit from Planning: Your farm agency staff will work with planning staff to shepherd you through the process. You may need to hire a surveyor, engineer, and/or architect to prepare a site plan and building construction drawings. Keep your formal letter and any documents showing compliance, with farm related regulations, to include in your application packet. Apply for any remaining Building permits, Erosion Control permits, or Environmental Health permits. ~ ~~ , .-. _ . ~ tree farm " - ar b n ~ - i MecharYcsv~~c Road,. '. . ~. , , tree i, rrri , . - 5 03egin Your New Farm Enterprise , , Planning Staff will create a file documenting your new - ~ °' ~°• ~ -- -• - „'- ,.. enterprise. This information will be available to staff to """ "~~ w answer questions that might arise from neighbors. It will -- _ -' '-" also provide invaluable data about successful agricultural uses in the county to help us develop better programs and policies for the future.